U.S. patent number 7,950,711 [Application Number 12/322,024] was granted by the patent office on 2011-05-31 for body mount.
This patent grant is currently assigned to A. Raymond et Cie. Invention is credited to Michael Danby, Todd Hemingway, Jason Reznar, Michael Vanderzwaag.
United States Patent |
7,950,711 |
Hemingway , et al. |
May 31, 2011 |
Body mount
Abstract
A body mount included at least one clip, at least one plate and
a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having
a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at
least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further
include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve
may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a
second clip between their respective plates.
Inventors: |
Hemingway; Todd (Metamora,
MI), Danby; Michael (Stoney Creek, CA), Reznar;
Jason (Redford, MI), Vanderzwaag; Michael (Hamilton,
CA) |
Assignee: |
A. Raymond et Cie (Grenoble,
FR)
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Family
ID: |
40913142 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/322,024 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2009 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20100001542 A1 |
Jan 7, 2010 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61062589 |
Jan 28, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
296/35.1;
411/511 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B
13/025 (20130101); F16B 19/004 (20130101); F16B
19/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
24/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;296/35.1
;411/511,513,520,521 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Int'l Search Report, Mar. 16, 2009, Tinnerman Palnut Engineer.
cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Lyjak; Lori L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDonald Hopkins LLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/062,589, entitled "Body Mount," filed on Jan.
28, 2008, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by
reference.
Claims
Having thus described the invention, we claim:
1. A body mount assembly comprising: at least one clip comprising:
a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end
and a central aperture therethrough from the proximal end to the
distal end; and a flange located at the distal end; at least one
plate having an aperture sized to receive the cylindrical body and
engage the flange; and a sleeve having opposed openings capable of
engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective
plates, wherein said sleeve is capable of receiving the cylindrical
body of both the first clip and the second clip through the opposed
openings.
2. The body mount assembly of claim 1 wherein said body further
comprises a longitudinal split located along said body between the
proximal end and the distal end.
3. The body mount assembly of claim 2 wherein said body further
includes at least one set of inwardly extending prongs capable of
engaging a fastener inserted within the central aperture.
4. The body mount assembly of claim 3 wherein said body includes at
least one set of outwardly extending prongs capable of engaging the
sleeve when the body is inserted therein.
5. A body mount assembly comprising: a first clip comprising: a
generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end
and a central aperture through the body from the proximal end to
the distal end; and a flange located at the distal end; a second
clip comprising: a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end
and a distal end and a central aperture through the body from the
proximal end to the distal end; and a flange located at the distal
end; a first plate having an aperture sized to receive the
cylindrical body of the first clip and engage the flange of the
first clip; a second plate having an aperture sized to receive the
cylindrical body of the second clip and engage the flange of the
second clip; and a sleeve having opposed openings capable of
engaging the first clip and the second clip between the first plate
and the second plate, wherein the sleeve is capable of receiving
the cylindrical body of the first clip and the second clip through
the opposed openings.
6. The body mount assembly of claim 5 wherein the body of the first
clip further comprises a longitudinal split located along the body
between the proximal end and the distal end.
7. The body mount assembly of claim 5 wherein the body of the
second clip further comprises a longitudinal split located along
the body between the proximal end and the distal end.
8. The body mount assembly of claim 6 wherein the body of the first
clip further includes at least one set of inwardly extending prongs
capable of engaging a fastener inserted within the central
aperture.
9. The body mount assembly of claim 7 wherein the body of the
second clip further includes at least one set of inwardly extending
prongs capable of engaging a fastener inserted within the central
aperture.
10. The body mount assembly of claim 5 wherein the body of the
first clip includes at least one set of outwardly extending prongs
capable of engaging the sleeve when the body of the first clip is
inserted therein.
11. The body mount assembly of claim 10 wherein the body of the
second clip includes at least one set of outwardly extending prongs
capable of engaging the sleeve when the body of the second clip is
inserted therein.
12. A body mount assembly comprising: a first clip comprising: a
generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end;
a flange located at the distal end; and at least one set of
outwardly extending prongs; a second clip comprising: a generally
cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a
flange located at the distal end; a first plate having an aperture
sized to receive the cylindrical body and engage the flange of the
first plate; a second plate having an aperture sized to receive the
cylindrical body and engage the flange of the second plate; and a
sleeve having opposed openings capable of engaging the first clip
and the second clip between the first plate and the second plate,
wherein the sleeve is capable of receiving the cylindrical body of
the first clip and the second clip through the opposed openings and
wherein the at least one set of outwardly extending prongs engage
the sleeve when the first clip is inserted therein.
13. The body mount assembly of claim 12 wherein the body of the
first clip further comprises a longitudinal split located along the
body of the first clip between the proximal end and the distal
end.
14. The body mount assembly of claim 12 wherein the body of the
first clip further includes a central aperture through the body
from the proximal end to the distal end.
15. The body mount assembly of claim 14 wherein the body of the
first clip includes at least one set of inwardly extending prongs
capable of engaging a fastener inserted within the central aperture
of the first clip.
16. The body mount assembly of claim 12 wherein the body of the
second clip further includes a central aperture through the body
from the proximal end to the distal end.
17. The body mount assembly of claim 16 wherein the body of the
second clip includes at least one set of inwardly extending prongs
capable of engaging a fastener inserted within the central aperture
of the second clip.
18. The body mount assembly of claim 12 wherein the body of the
second clip further includes at least one set of outwardly
extending prongs capable of engaging the sleeve when the body of
the second clip is inserted therein.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally related to fasteners and, more
particularly, to body mounts utilized in mounting a vehicle body to
a vehicle frame or chassis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As is known in the art, vehicle bodies are commonly mounted on
vehicle frames by the use of a plurality of body mounts. Each body
mount typically includes a pair of upper and lower resilient blocks
and a pair of upper and lower metal spacer members each having a
generally planar flange portion and an integral elongated tubular
portion. The resilient blocks are positioned on upper and lower
sides of the vehicle frame in alignment with an opening in the
frame, the tubular portions of the metal spacer members are
respectively inserted in a central opening in a respective
resilient block, and the inboard ends of tubular portions are
secured together to respectively secure the resilient blocks to
upper and lower sides of the vehicle frame. The vehicle body is
then placed atop the upper resilient blocks and bolts are passed
through respective openings in the vehicle body and threaded into
respective body mounts to support the body on the frame.
Typically, the metal spacer members are complex with intricate
features that allow them to be secured together and hold the
resilient blocks in place until a bolt is passed through them. As
such, these metal spacer members are typically manufactured through
a costly deep extrusion process that not only gives the spacer
members their general shape but also the aforementioned intricate
securing and locking features.
Therefore, a need exists in the art for a simpler and less
complicated body mount that is easier and more cost effective to
produce. The body mount of the present invention is designed to
provide simpler and more lightweight components thereby reducing
complicated manufacturing processes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in connection with the
following illustrations, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a prior art body
mount.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a clip of an embodiment of
a body mount.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the clip of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the clip of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 illustrates a section view taken along line A-A of FIG.
3.
FIG. 6 illustrates a section view taken along line B-B of FIG.
3.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a plate of an embodiment
of the body mount.
FIG. 8 a top view of the clip of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates a section view taken along line A-A of FIG.
8.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a clip-and-plate
subassembly of an embodiment of the body mount.
FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the subassembly of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the body mount.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a clip of another
embodiment of the body mount.
FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the clip of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the clip of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 illustrates a section view taken along line A-A of FIG.
14.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of another clip-and-plate
subassembly of another embodiment of the body mount.
FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the subassembly of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the body mount.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A body mount that may include at least one clip, at least one plate
and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body
having a proximal end and a distal end. The clip may also include a
central aperture therethrough from the proximal end to the distal
end. The clip may further include a flange located at the distal
end. The plate may have an aperture sized to receive the
cylindrical body and engage the flange. The sleeve may have opposed
openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between
their respective plates. The sleeve may be capable of receiving the
cylindrical body of both the first clip and the second clip through
the opposed openings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is described herein with reference to several
embodiments, it should be clear that the invention should not be
limited only to the embodiments disclosed or discussed. The
description of the embodiments herein is illustrative of the
invention and should not limit the scope of the invention as
described or claimed.
As generally described herein, the present invention provides a
body mount 10. Referring now to FIGS. 2-12, a first embodiment of a
body mount 10 is shown. The body mount 10 may include two
clip-plate subassemblies 90 connected and held together by a sleeve
40. Each clip-plate subassembly 90 may include a clip 20 and a
plate 30. Thus, the body mount 10 may require two clips 20 and two
plates 30 to be fully assembled with the sleeve 40, as shown in
FIG. 12. When assembled, the clips 20 may be located adjacent to
one another. The pair of clips 20 are preferably the same, however,
it is to be understood that they may be the same or different
clips.
Since the clips 20 are similar, the following description of the
clip 20 will be understood to apply to both clips 20 needed for the
body mount 10. The clip 20 may include a distal end 23 and a
proximal end 25. It is to be understood that the clip 20 may be of
any appropriate size, diameter and length, but is preferably of a
circular shape. The body mount 10 may also include two plates 30,
where each plate 30 may be disposed about the distal end 23 of the
corresponding clip 20. The body mount 10 may further include a
sleeve 40 that may be disposed about the clips 120 and located
between the plates 30.
With reference to FIGS. 2-6, each clip 20 may have a generally
tubular body 22 with a central aperture 29 located through the body
22 from the distal end 23 to the proximal end 25. The distal end 23
of the clip 20 may include a flange 24. The clips 20 may include a
first set of prongs 26 located adjacent to the flange 24. The first
set of prongs 26 may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are
preferably of a generally rectangular shape. The first set of
prongs 26 may project outwardly relative to the tubular body 22 and
may be angled towards the flange 24. It will be appreciated,
however, that the prongs 26 may be positioned at any appropriate
angle. The flange 24 and the first set of prongs 26 may be operable
to secure the plate 30 located therebetween, as shown in FIGS.
10-12.
With further reference to FIGS. 2-6, the clips 20 may also include
a set of intermediate prongs 27. The intermediate set of prongs 27
may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are also preferably of
a generally rectangular shape. The intermediate prongs 27 may
project inward relative to the tubular body 22 and into the central
aperture 29. The intermediate prongs 27 may be operable to engage
the threads of a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt, screw or the
like. The clips 20 may hold the fastener within the central
aperture 29 until the fastener is later secured and tightened via a
corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the like.
With additional reference to FIGS. 2-6, the clips 20 may further
include a third set of prongs 28. The third set of prongs 28 may be
of any appropriate size or shape, but are preferably of a generally
triangular shape. The third set of prongs 28 may be formed on the
tubular body 22 and may be located between the intermediate prongs
27 and the proximal end 25 of the clip 20. The third set of prongs
28 may project outwardly relative to the tubular body 22 and may be
angled towards the flange 24. It will be appreciated, however, that
the third set of prongs 28 may be positioned at any suitable angle.
The third set of prongs 28 may be operable to engage the interior
of the sleeve 40 and may lockingly secure the sleeve 40 about the
clips 20. While the present embodiment illustrates each set of
prongs 26, 27, 28 comprising between two and four prongs each, it
will be appreciated that any suitable and appropriate number of
prongs per set may be employed.
The clips 20 may also include a longitudinal split 21, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. The longitudinal split 21 may simplify manufacturing
by relaxing the tolerances of the diameter of the clips 20 while
also allowing the clips 20 to flex as it is being inserted into the
sleeve 40 and/or flex while receiving a fastener. The clips 20 may
be formed from any durable and resilient sheet material, such as a
metal, a polymer, or a composite. However, it will be appreciated
that the clips 20 may be formed from any appropriate and suitable
material and by any suitable process, including but not limited to
stamping, drawing, pressing, extruding, molding, etc.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, each plate 30 may include a body 32
and a central aperture 34. The central aperture 34 may be sized to
coaxially receive the tubular body 22 of a clip 20, yet may also be
small enough that the first set of prongs 26 may be capable of
securing the plate 30 between the prongs 26 and flange 24 of the
clip 20 whereby the plate 30 may not be permitted to slide back
down the tubular body 22 after the plate 30 has passed the first
set of prongs 26. The plate 30 may be constructed from any suitable
material, including but not limited to metal, polymer, composite,
etc.
As shown in FIG. 12, the sleeve 40 may be of a generally tubular
body 42 having a central opening 44. The ends of the sleeve 40 may
be flared, such as at 46, to accommodate the first set of prongs 26
on each clip 20. The sleeve 40 may also be constructed from any
suitable material, including but not limited to metal, polymer,
composite, etc.
The body mount 10 may typically be used in cooperation with a pair
of resilient blocks (not shown) and a fastener (not shown), such as
a bolt or the like, to secure a vehicle body (not shown) to a
vehicle frame (not shown). For example, to utilize the body mount
10 in such a manner, a clip 20 and plate 30 subassembly may be
assembled as follows, each of which will hereinafter be referred to
as a "clip-and-plate subassembly" 90, as shown in FIGS. 10 and
11.
The body mount 10 preferably includes two clip-and-plate
subassemblies 90. The proximal end 25 of a clip 20 may be
introduced to an aperture 34 of a corresponding plate 30. The plate
30 may be slid from the proximal end 25 of the clip 20 towards the
distal end 23 thereof. As the plate 30 passes the third set of
prongs 28, the third set of prongs 28 may be squeezed inwardly
thereby allowing the plate 30 to pass. Thereafter, once the plate
30 has cleared the third set of prongs 28, the third set of prongs
28 may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original
position. Likewise, as the plate 30 passes the first set of prongs
26, the first set of prongs 26 may be squeezed inwardly thereby
allowing the plate 30 to pass. Thereafter, once the plate 30 has
cleared the first set of prongs 26, the first set of prongs 26 may
spring outwardly to substantially return to their original position
and to lockingly secure the plate 30 between the first set of
prongs 26 and the flange 24.
Next, a sleeve 40 may be coaxially disposed about the tubular body
22 of the first clip-and-plate subassembly 90 by introducing the
proximal end 25 of the clip 20 to the central opening 44 of the
sleeve 40 and coaxially sliding the sleeve 40 from the proximal end
25 of the clip 20 towards the distal end 23 of the clip 20. The
third set of prongs 28 may engage the interior of the sleeve 40 and
permit the sleeve 40 to slide towards the distal end 23 of the clip
20, but, at the same time, prohibit the sleeve 40 from sliding back
towards the proximal end 25 of the clip 20. The sleeve 40 may also
further bias the plate 30 against the flange 24 of the clip 20. The
clip-and-plate subassembly with the sleeve 40 disposed about the
tubular body 22 of the clip 20 will hereinafter be referred to as
the "clip-plate-sleeve subassembly" (not shown).
An upper resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not
shown), may then be placed atop an upper face of a vehicle frame
(not shown) where the aperture of the upper resilient block may be
in coaxial alignment with an opening in the vehicle frame. The
aforementioned clip-plate-sleeve subassembly may then be passed
through the aperture of the upper resilient block and opening in
the vehicle frame such that the plate 30 rests atop the upper
resilient block and the clip 20 and sleeve 40 project downwardly
through the aperture of the upper resilient block and frame
opening.
A lower resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not
shown), may then placed against the underface of the vehicle frame
(not shown) such that the aperture of the lower resilient block is
in coaxial alignment with the opening in the frame. A second
clip-and-plate subassembly 90 may then be passed through the
aperture of the lower resilient block and opening in the vehicle
frame such that the plate 30 of the second clip-and-plate
subassembly 90 may rest against the outer face of the lower
resilient block, and the tubular body 22 of the clip 20 may project
upwardly through the aperture of the lower resilient block and
frame opening. The clip 20 of the second clip-and-plate subassembly
90 may be inserted into the opening 44 of the sleeve 40 of the
clip-plate-sleeve subassembly such that the third set of prongs 28
of the second clip 20 may engage the interior of the sleeve 40,
thereby securing the second clip-plate subassembly 90 to the
clip-plate-sleeve subassembly so as to complete the assembly of the
body mount 10. The upper and lower resilient blocks are thus
secured to the vehicle frame by the body mount 10.
A body of a vehicle (not shown) may then be placed atop the upper
resilient block such that an aperture in the vehicle body may be in
coaxial alignment with the aperture 50 of the body mount 10, where
the aperture 50 of the body mount 10 is defined by the coaxially
aligned apertures 29 of the respective clips 20. A fastener (not
shown), such as a bolt or the like, may then be passed through the
aperture 50 of the body mount 10 whereby the respective
intermediate prongs 27 of the clips 20 hold the fastener in
position until the fastener is later secured and tightened via
another corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the
like.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-9 and 13-19, an alternative embodiment of
a body mount 110 is shown. The body mount 110 may include two
clip-plate subassemblies 190 connected and held together by a
sleeve 140. Each clip-plate subassembly 190 may include a clip 120
and a plate 30. Thus, the body mount 110 may require two clips 120
and two plates 30 to be fully assembled with the sleeve 140, as
shown in FIG. 19. When assembled, the clips 120 may be located
adjacent to one another. The pair of clips 120 are preferably the
same, however, it is to be understood that they may be the same or
different clips.
Since the clips 120 are similar, the following description of the
clip 20 will be understood to apply to both clips 120 needed for
the body mount 110. With reference to FIGS. 13-16, the clip 120 may
include a distal end 123 and a proximal end 125. It is to be
understood that the clip 120 may be of any appropriate size,
diameter and length, but is preferably of a circular shape. The
body mount 110 may also include two plates 30, where each plate 30
may be disposed about the distal end 123 of the corresponding clip
120. The body mount 110 may further include a sleeve 140 that may
be disposed about the clips 120 and located between the plates
30.
As shown in FIGS. 13-16, each clip 120 may have a generally tubular
body 122 with a central aperture 129 located through the body 122
from the distal end 123 to the proximal end 125. The distal end 123
of the clip 120 may include a flange 124. The clips 120 may include
a first set of prongs 126 located adjacent to the flange 124. The
first set of prongs 126 may be of any appropriate size or shape,
but are preferably of a generally rectangular shape. The first set
of prongs 126 may project outwardly relative to the tubular body
122 and may be angled towards the flange 124. It will be
appreciated, however, that the prongs 126 may be positioned at any
appropriate angle. The flange 124 and the first set of prongs 126
may be operable to secure a plate 30 located therebetween.
With reference to FIGS. 13-16, the clips 120 may also include a set
of intermediate prongs 127. The intermediate set of prongs 127 may
be of any appropriate size or shape, but are preferably of a
generally triangular shape. The intermediate prongs 27 may project
inward relative to the tubular body 122 and into the central
aperture 129. The intermediate prongs 127 may be operable to engage
the threads of a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt, screw or the
like. The clips 120 may hold the fastener within the central
aperture 129 until the fastener is later secured and tightened via
a corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the
like.
With further reference to FIGS. 13-16, the clips 120 may further
include a third set of prongs 128. The third set of prongs 128 may
be of any appropriate size or shape, but are also preferably of a
generally triangular shape. The third set of prongs 128 may be
formed on the tubular body 122 and may be located between the
intermediate prongs 127 and the proximal end 125 of the clip 120.
The third set of prongs 128 may project outwardly relative to the
tubular body 122 and may be angled towards the flange 124. It will
be appreciated, however, that the third set of prongs 128 may be
positioned at any suitable angle. The third set of prongs 128 may
be operable to engage the interior of the sleeve 140 and may
lockingly secure the sleeve 140 about the clips 120. While the
present embodiment illustrates each set of prongs 126, 127, 128
comprising between two and four prongs each, it will be appreciated
that any suitable and appropriate number of prongs per set may be
employed.
The clips 120 may also include a longitudinal split 121, as shown
in FIGS. 15 and 16. The longitudinal split 121 may simplify
manufacturing by relaxing the tolerances of the diameter of the
clips 120 while also allowing the clips 120 to flex as it is being
inserted into the sleeve 140 and/or flex while receiving a
fastener. The clips 120 may be formed from any durable and
resilient sheet material, such as a metal, a polymer, or a
composite. However, it will be appreciated that the clips 120 may
be formed from any appropriate and suitable material and by any
suitable process, including but not limited to stamping, drawing,
pressing, extruding, molding, etc.
As discussed above, each plate 30 may include a body 32 and a
central aperture 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. The central
aperture 34 may be sized to coaxially receive the tubular body 122
of a clip 120, yet may also be small enough that the first set of
prongs 126 may be capable of securing the plate 30 between the
prongs 126 and flange 124 of the clip 120 whereby the plate 30 may
not be permitted to slide back down the tubular body 122 after the
plate 30 has passed the first set of prongs 126. The plate 30 may
be constructed from any suitable material, including but not
limited to metal, polymer, composite, etc.
As shown in FIG. 19, the sleeve 140 may be of a generally tubular
body 142 having a central opening 144. The ends of the sleeve 140
may be flared, such as at 146, to accommodate the first set of
prongs 126 on each clip 120. The sleeve 140 may also be constructed
from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal,
polymer, composite, etc.
As also discussed above, the body mount 110 may typically be used
in cooperation with a pair of resilient blocks (not shown) and a
fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or the like, to secure a
vehicle body (not shown) to a vehicle frame (not shown). For
example, to utilize the body mount 110 in such a manner, a clip 120
and plate 30 subassembly may be assembled as follows, each of which
will hereinafter be referred to as a "clip-and-plate subassembly"
190, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.
The body mount 110 preferably includes two clip-and-plate
subassemblies 190. The proximal end 125 of a clip 120 may be
introduced to an aperture 34 of a corresponding plate 30. The plate
30 may be slid from the proximal end 125 of the clip 120 towards
the distal end 123 thereof. As the plate 30 passes the third set of
prongs 128, the third set of prongs 128 may be squeezed inwardly
thereby allowing the plate 30 to pass. Thereafter, once the plate
30 has cleared the third set of prongs 128, the third set of prongs
128 may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original
position. Likewise, as the plate 30 passes the first set of prongs
126, the first set of prongs 126 may be squeezed inwardly thereby
allowing the plate 30 to pass. Thereafter, once the plate 30 has
cleared the first set of prongs 126, the first set of prongs 126
may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original
position and to lockingly secure the plate 30 between the first set
of prongs 126 and the flange 124.
Next, a sleeve 140 may be coaxially disposed about the tubular body
122 of the first clip-and-plate subassembly 190 by introducing the
proximal end 125 of the clip 120 to the central opening 144 of the
sleeve 140 and coaxially sliding the sleeve 140 from the proximal
end 125 of the clip 120 towards the distal end 123 of the clip 120.
The third set of prongs 128 may engage the interior of the sleeve
140 and permit the sleeve 140 to slide towards the distal end 123
of the clip 120, but, at the same time, prohibit the sleeve 40 from
sliding back towards the proximal end 125 of the clip 120. The
sleeve 140 may also further bias the plate 30 against the flange
124 of the clip 120. The clip-and-plate subassembly with the sleeve
140 disposed about the tubular body 122 of the clip 120 will
hereinafter be referred to as the "clip-plate-sleeve subassembly"
(not shown).
An upper resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not
shown), may then be placed atop an upper face of a vehicle frame
(not shown) where the aperture of the upper resilient block may be
in coaxial alignment with an opening in the vehicle frame. The
aforementioned clip-plate-sleeve subassembly may then be passed
through the aperture of the upper resilient block and opening in
the vehicle frame such that the plate 30 rests atop the upper
resilient block and the clip 120 and sleeve 140 project downwardly
through the aperture of the upper resilient block and frame
opening.
A lower resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not
shown), may then placed against the underface of the vehicle frame
(not shown) such that the aperture of the lower resilient block is
in coaxial alignment with the opening in the frame. A second
clip-and-plate subassembly 190 may then be passed through the
aperture of the lower resilient block and opening in the vehicle
frame such that the plate 30 of the second clip-and-plate
subassembly 190 may rest against the outer face of the lower
resilient block, and the tubular body 122 of the clip 120 may
project upwardly through the aperture of the lower resilient block
and frame opening. The clip 120 of the second clip-and-plate
subassembly 190 may be inserted into the opening 144 of the sleeve
140 of the clip-plate-sleeve subassembly such that the third set of
prongs 128 of the second clip 120 may engage the interior of the
sleeve 140, thereby securing the second clip-plate subassembly 190
to the clip-plate-sleeve subassembly so as to complete the assembly
of the body mount 110. The upper and lower resilient blocks are
thus secured to the vehicle frame by the body mount 110.
A body of a vehicle (not shown) may then be placed atop the upper
resilient block such that an aperture in the vehicle body may be in
coaxial alignment with the aperture 150 of the body mount 110,
where the aperture 150 of the body mount 110 is defined by the
coaxially aligned apertures 129 of the respective clips 120. A
fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or the like, may then be
passed through the aperture 150 of the body mount 110 whereby the
respective intermediate prongs 127 of the clips 120 hold the
fastener in position until the fastener is later secured and
tightened via another corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a
nut or the like.
The embodiments of the invention have been described above and,
obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon
reading and understanding this specification. The claims as follows
are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar
as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent
thereof.
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